Record prices for Land Rover Defenders; lightweight sportscar manufacturers expand

LESS than a month after the end of production of the Land Rover Defender, the classic vehicles are already starting to fetch record prices at auction.

In a sale held at the NEC in Birmingham by Silverstone Auctions record prices were secured for two very special Series One examples. One of the earliest Land Rovers produced, a 1948 Series One Chassis #149, sold for £47,250, more than £20,000 over its lower estimate, and the highest price for a Series One in recent years.

Not only that but one of the last Defenders produced, a 2016 Land Rover 110 Heritage Edition, one of only 400 made and with just 108 miles on the odometer, sold for £42,188.

A historically important and very rare car, a 1950 Land Rover Series I Station Wagon with coachwork by Tickford, sold for £38,250, a world record price.

Should their new owners fancy putting a personalised registration plate on them then they should hurry because DVLA Personalised Registrations is edging ever closer to its first sell-out success after all but three of the 1,500 registrations auctioned during its first sale of the year were sold during three days of frantic bidding.

Caterham dealer switches Silverstone for Donington Park

Caterham Cars has expanded its UK dealer network with the launch of the BookaTrack Caterham showroom at the Donington Park race circuit in Leicestershire.

The new showroom, based at one of Britain’s premier circuits, will sell Caterham’s full five model UK range of lightweight sportscars, as well as offering a full range of aftersales activities, including service, warranty and parts support.

Caterham’s Experience day activities will be housed at the new facility, relocating from Silverstone to Donington Park.

Graham Macdonald, Caterham Cars CEO, and Christopher Tate, Donington Park Managing Director, were invited to attend a special track day event at the circuit to celebrate the opening of the new dealership.

Mr Macdonald said: “Over 16 years, we have forged a strong and close partnership with BookaTrack. To open our fourth UK dealership with a brand that is so clearly passionate about Caterham, is an exciting new chapter in this partnership.

“This wonderful, bespoke site at Donington Park will ensure midlands-based sportscar enthusiasts enjoy the full Caterham brand experience, in location truly reflecting our values and heritage.”

BookaTrack is the UK’s largest independent car track day organiser. Caterham has been working with the company since its inception in 2000 as a premium track day provider. BookaTrack will continue to operate a fleet of Caterhams at around 120 events per year at race circuits across the UK and Europe.